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Next Generation Science Standards are grouped into four domains of physical, life, earth and space sciences; engineering, technology and applications of science and the nature of science.
The NGSS is based on a 3-D Model of Instruction which includes:
1. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) of physical, life, earth and space science and engineering and technologya. These DCI can be broken down by grade level bands.1. Grade K-2a. Kindergarten DCI.b. 1st Grade DCI.c. 2nd Grade DCI.Grade 3-5a. 3rd Grade DCI.b. 4th Grade DCI.6-8 band9-12 bandYou can use the NGSS (Main Website) to look up specific Grade Level DCI2. Science and Engineering Practices (students use these strategies to ask questions or solve an engineering problem)a. Asking Questions (for Science) and Defining Problems (for engineering)b. Developing and Using models.c. Planning and carrying out investigations.d. Analyzing and interpreting data. e. Using mathematics and computational thinking.f. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering).g. Engaging in argument(s) from evidence. * Evidence statements for K-5 and grade 6-8 and high schoolh. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.3. Crosscutting Concepts (Can a student recognize apply or connects knowledge into a cross disciplinary or world view)
a. Patternsb. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanationc. Scale, proportion, and quantity
d. Systems and system models
e. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
f. Structure and function
g. Stability and change
Educators and administrators should also review Appendices I: Engineering Design and Appendices J: Science Technology, Society and the Environment.Department of Education sponsored Professional Development (PD)b. NGSX : now open for NGSX Study Groups beginning in January 2016 and continuing through winter, spring and summer 2016. Learn about Next Generation Science approaches to teaching and learning that will help you to make informed and appropriate NGSS modifications to your curriculum, your classroom culture, and your instructional materials.----------------------------------------------------------------------5. The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) did a great job in organizing and presenting NGSS and has created a NGSS website for all educators even if you are not a member to review the 3-D model of NGSS.b. NSTA Learning Center provides science grade level or content training.c. NSTA's Science Publications; provides articles some of them are free on NGSS implementation, Project-based or Inquiry Based science, writing and reading strategies for classroom implementation. You can even review previous publications6. NGSS Online Videosa. The Connecticut State Department of Education with NSTA has made available Webinars that have already been conducted and are now free of charge. Some of these webinars are implementation at grade level or 3-Dimensional NGSS specific. The only requirement is that you will need to create a free account and to make sure you have the correct software. Most webinars are over 1 hour in duration average about 2 hours.c. Bozeman Science (Free videos on NGSS)d. The Lewis Center has organized and linked some free You Tube online resources (less than 30 minute) NGSS Training Videos and Breakdown of NGSS Bands and Concepts.